The Fall Immunity Blueprint: Create Greater Stress Resilience
Your Fall Body Armor
Fall is a season of change. The air cools, routines pick up speed, and our bodies are suddenly asked to adapt to shorter days and a busier pace. It’s also the time when colds and seasonal bugs seem to circulate more freely.
The good news? With a few intentional practices, you can help your immune system stay strong and resilient. Think of it as putting on your fall body armor: science-backed habits that make you less vulnerable to seasonal stressors and sickness.
Here are five powerful ways to support your immune health this season:
1. Contrast Therapy: Training Your Body’s Resilience
By alternating between heat and cold with contrast therapy you’re giving your circulatory system a workout. Heat exposure expands your blood vessels, cold contracts them, and the repeated flush of the two supports circulation, oxygen delivery, and faster recovery.
But the benefits go deeper than just feeling refreshed. Recent research shows that heat therapy can activate heat shock proteins: molecules that help repair cells and reduce inflammation. It also boosts white blood cell activity, which plays a direct role in your body’s ability to defend against infection.
As we highlighted in our sauna vs. hot tub blog, these immune-supporting effects aren’t just theoretical, they’ve been measured in people who use sauna regularly. Pairing heat exposure with a cold plunge may amplify this effect by keeping your system adaptive and resilient, especially as the seasons shift.
Many people leave a session feeling both energized and grounded, two qualities your immune system thrives on.
2. Load Up on Fall Greens & Seasonal Veggies
It seems like nature gives us exactly what we need, right when we need it. Fall vegetables like kale, spinach, squash, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals that strengthen immune defense.
Vitamin C from leafy greens and bell peppers supports white blood cell function.
Zinc from pumpkin seeds helps your body fight off viruses.
Beta-carotene in carrots and squash regulates immune response and keeps your skin (your first line of defense) healthy.
Making seasonal produce the star (or supporting character) of your meals is one of the simplest ways to stay nourished through the fall.
3. Don’t Let Vitamin D Slip Away
With shorter days and weaker sunlight coming soon, our natural production of vitamin D drops off just when we need it most. Low levels are linked not only to lowered immune resilience but also to seasonal mood changes.
Get outside for 20–30 minutes during midday when the sun is strongest.
Consider a high-quality vitamin D supplement. I used to take 1,000-2,000 iu per day throughout the year but have bumped it up as high as 4,000 - 5,000 in the winter and even higher if I feel a cold coming on. Recent blood testing showed that this paid off for keeping my Vitamin D levels in an optimal range, something that most of us struggle with.
Think of it as topping up your body’s sunlight bank account. While Vitamin D stores
4. Prioritize Sleep as Your Daily Reset
Sleep is the unsung hero of immune health. While you rest, your body produces cytokines to help fight infection and inflammation. Skimping on sleep can leave your immune system under-prepared.
Practical ways to support better rest:
Create a simple wind-down ritual (screens off, lights dimmed).
Take a warm shower or bath to signal your body it’s time to rest.
Try a short meditation or breathing exercise to quiet your mind.
Consistency is more important than perfection. Even small improvements in your sleep routine add up to stronger defenses.
5. Move to Circulate, Not Exhaust
Exercise supports immunity by improving circulation and reducing stress hormones. But the goal isn’t to push yourself to the brink every single time. Overtraining can actually weaken defenses.
Gentle, consistent movement is best:
Daily walks, ideally outdoors for light exposure
Yoga or stretching to release tension
Cycling, swimming, or light strength training at a comfortable pace
The key is to move enough to feel invigorated, not depleted.
Building Your Fall Body Armor
Immunity is built by laying on small, supportive habits.
By combining:
Contrast therapy for circulation and immune support
Seasonal nutrition for steady energy
Vitamin D for light and mood balance
Restful sleep for nightly repair
Gentle movement for daily flow
…you create a natural shield against the stresses of fall.
And if you’d like to experience contrast therapy firsthand, our infrared sauna and cold plunge or full contrast therapy sessions are designed to help you reset and recharge. Pair it with your other wellness rituals, and you’ll step into the season with resilience and calm.
The Back-to-School Stress Reset: Simple Rituals to Carry Calm into Fall
August sneaks up on your nervous system. Routines shift, inboxes swell, and suddenly everyone’s running on fumes. If you’re a parent juggling schedules, a teacher prepping classrooms, a student chasing focus, or just someone who feels the seasonal squeeze, this guide is for you.
We’ll use a simple 3-anchor framework:
Anchor 1 is your Deep Reset (a visit to Flow Spa for a float, infrared sauna, or contrast therapy).
Anchors 2 & 3 are everyday, at-home rituals you can do anywhere to stay steady between Deep Resets.
Why late August feels so draining
When routines change, your brain burns extra energy on micro-decisions.
That constant switching:
Shortens your focus window
Elevates stress chemistry (wired at bedtime, sluggish by morning)
Makes simple tasks feel heavier than they are
The fix isn’t heroic willpower to push through this season, it’s stress reset rituals. These small, repeatable actions tell your body, “You’re safe. Power down.”
The 3-Anchor Method (simple and sustainable)
1) Deep Reset (weekly or biweekly)
Choose one: float therapy, infrared sauna, or contrast therapy at Flow Spa. Think of it as your nervous system’s clean slate.
2) Move + Breathe (daily, 5–20 min)
A short, gentle practice you can do anywhere to clear stress chemistry and restore focus.
3) Nourish + Unplug (evening, 10–45 min)
A wind-down ritual that signals “off-duty” to your brain so sleep and recovery can do their jobs.
Keep it light. If you miss a day, you start again at the next one.
Anchor 1: Deep Reset
What to choose (pick the one you’ll actually do):
Float therapy (45–90 min): Sensory quiet. Calms mental chatter, great before a heavy week or to kickoff the weekend.
Infrared sauna (30 min): Gentle heat for muscle ease, mood lift, and better sleep.
Contrast therapy (60 min): Cycling between hot and cold is a natural “on switch” for clarity and energy.
Make it stick:
Book it like a recurring meeting. Afterward, leave 30–60 minutes unscheduled for journaling, a quiet walk, or planning your week while your mind is clear.
Micro-ritual: Before you leave the spa, write one “keystone action” for the week (e.g., meal plan, top 3 work priorities). Do it while you’re in a state of calm and clear focus.
Anchor 2: Move + Breathe
Choose one practice below and do it most days (5–20 minutes). Rotate as needed.
Option A: 10-Minute Mobility + Breath
Cat-cow x 6.
Forward fold hang (knees soft) 60 seconds.
Low lunge with side reach, each side 45 seconds.
Child’s pose 60 seconds.
Box breathing 4-4-4-4 for 10 rounds
Option B: Walk Without Headphones (12–20 minutes)
Keep the pace conversational.
Breathe in through your nose for 4 steps, out for 6.
Notice 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel (grounding = focus).
Option C: Micro-Yoga Flow (8–12 minutes)
Sun salutations x 3.
Down dog → plank → down dog x 5 slow reps.
Seated twist both sides.
End with 4–7–8 breathing for 6 cycles.
If you only have 2 minutes:
Physiological sigh x 5 (double inhale through nose, long exhale through mouth).
10 wall pushups + 10 air squats + 30-second shake-out.
Anchor 3: Nourish + Unplug
Pick one from each column most nights, or focus on the actions in one column if it feels most relevant to what you need right now:
Quick tips by role
Parents
Put your 10-minute walk or mobility block right after school drop-off.
Use the post-spa clarity to set the family calendar and pre-prep two dinners.
Teachers
Two-minute breathing between classes: 4-in, 6-out, shoulders drop.
End of Week Deep Reset or warm shower + stretch to melt tension.
Students
Walk phone-free to or from class at least once daily.
Use Pomodoro-style “study sprints”: 25 minutes on, 5 off, repeat 3×. Unplug during the 5 minute rest periods.
A gentle two-week “Stress Reset” template
Repeat through September. Adjust freely.
5 tiny resets you can do anywhere (under 3 minutes)
Name + Notice: “I’m feeling ___.” Then name 3 things you see, 2 you hear, 1 you feel.
Water reset: Big glass of water, slow.
Doorway chest opener: 60–90 seconds.
Two-line journal: “What matters now?” “What’s one next step?”
Light exposure: Step outside and look at the horizon for a minute
Bring it together
Anchor 1: A weekly Deep Reset at Flow Spa (float, infrared sauna, or contrast) to wipe the slate clean.
Anchor 2: Move + Breathe most days (5–20 minutes) to stabilize your mood and focus.
Anchor 3: Nourish + Unplug most evenings to cue real recovery and better sleep.
If you want help choosing the right Deep Reset for your season, we’re here to guide you.
Otherwise, keep the daily anchors simple and kind. Small actions, repeated often, are what carry calm into fall.
Float Into Focus: How Sensory Rest Sharpens Your Mind for the Season Ahead
Fall has a way of dialing up the pressure. For professionals, it’s packed calendars and big projects. For entrepreneurs, it’s the race toward year-end goals. For students, it’s back to school, deadlines, and staying ahead of the curve.
No matter what your case is, your brain is the most important tool you have. But when it’s overloaded with stress and distraction, performance takes a hit.
That’s where float therapy comes in as a proven way to restore focus, clarity, and resilience when you need it most.
Why Mental Performance Slips Under Pressure
Modern life forces our brains into constant multitasking: switching between emails, apps, meetings, and notifications. This drains our mental energy in two ways:
Stress chemistry overload. Elevated adrenaline and dopamine swings makes it harder to focus or regulate emotions.
Cognitive fatigue. Too many inputs reduce your ability to concentrate on one important task.
As Cal Newport, the author of Deep Work and Digital Minimalism put it, “if, like most, you rarely go more than 10-15 minutes without “just checking” your notifications, you have effectively put yourself in a persistent state of self-imposed cognitive handicap.”
The result of this cognitive stress is brain fog, procrastination, and burnout. Not exactly how you want to be feeling heading into a busy season.
Float Therapy: The Ultimate Reset for the Brain
Inside the float tank, you step into a distraction-free environment:
Weightless body. Your muscles and joints fully release, reducing the background noise of physical tension.
Quiet mind. With no notifications, conversations, or visual clutter, your brain can finally rest completely too.
Calm nervous system. Floating stimulates the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response, lowering stress hormones and bringing your nervous system back to baseline.
What’s fascinating is how quickly the brain responds. Within minutes, your brain shifts into theta wave activity — the same state linked to meditation, daydreaming, and creative breakthroughs.
I compare floating to a gently forced meditation because you get the same brain state effects that takes experienced meditators hours of practice to reach.
Sharper Focus, Better Performance
Float therapy isn’t only about how you feel in the tank, it’s also about how you perform afterward.
Here are some of the key performance benefits backed by research and client experiences:
Deep Work Made Easier
After a float, distractions feel less sticky. Professionals often report slipping into a flow state more easily, making focused work more enjoyable and productive.
Stronger Memory & Learning
Students benefit from improved recall and retention. A rested brain processes and stores information more efficiently, making study sessions pay off.
Creativity on Demand
Entrepreneurs love floats for big-picture thinking. Without constant input, the mind has space to form new connections and spark original ideas. You can hardly wait to jot down all the new ideas after getting out of a float!
Resilience Under Pressure
Floats lower anxiety and regulate mood, which helps you stay grounded during presentations, exams, or high-stakes meetings.
Faster Recovery
Physical release from tension and inflammation frees up energy for mental performance. When your body feels better, your brain can work better.
Why Fall Is the Right Time to Start
Transitions naturally challenge our focus. Shorter daylight hours, new schedules, and a busier pace all strain your nervous system and are just on the horizon now. By building float therapy into your routine now, you create a buffer against stress before it piles up.
Think of it as pre-season training for your brain.
How Often Should You Float?
Like any form of training, consistency matters.
Here’s a simple guide:
First-Timers: Try 2–3 floats close together (within 2–3 weeks) to experience the full effect.
Students & Professionals: Once every 2–4 weeks during high-demand seasons keeps your focus sharp.
Entrepreneurs & Leaders: Weekly or every 2 weeks floats help sustain creativity and prevent burnout.
Pairing floats with other recovery tools like the infrared sauna or contrast therapy can enhance results by calming the nervous system and boosting circulation.
What to Expect from Your First Float
If you’ve never floated before, here’s what the experience looks like:
You’ll step into a private room with your float tank, shower, and space to get comfortable.
Once you ease into the warm, Epsom-salt-rich water, your body naturally rises to the surface without any effort.
The float tank door can stay open or closed — whatever makes you feel most relaxed.
After a few minutes, your body fully lets go. The sensation of weightlessness is unlike anything else.
Most people emerge feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and surprisingly energized but without a care in the world.
Picture this:
You’re a student heading into midterms. Your brain feels fried after back-to-back study sessions, and you can’t seem to absorb more information. After a 60-minute float, the tension melts away. You walk out calm, sleep better that night, and the next day your study time feels sharper and more productive.
Or let’s say you’re a business owner staring down year-end targets. Stress is high, and decision fatigue is real. A float session gives you the mental reset to step back, see the bigger picture, and make choices with clarity.
And these aren’t just hypotheticals, they’re the kinds of benefits we see every week at Flow Spa.
Recovery Is Performance
High performers — from athletes to CEOs — know that recovery is the secret weapon for success. You don’t achieve more by pushing harder every day. You achieve more by giving your brain and body the space to reset, so you can show up sharper when it counts.
Float therapy is that reset button.
Ready to give your brain the advantage this season? Book your float at Flow Spa and set yourself up for clarity, focus, and success.
Why Your Body Needs a Post-Detox Reset
You did it.
You unplugged, stepped back, and gave your nervous system some breathing room.
Whether it was a full-week getaway or just a 24-hour break from notifications, you know the feeling — your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and the constant hum in your head finally quiets down.
Last week, we talked about using the sense of slowness in the summer to do a digital detox. It’s a way to disconnect for a short break to reevaluate what technology is genuinely useful for you and what’s just leading to more distraction and overload on your mind.
But here’s the challenge:
That calm? It’s slippery.
Without a plan to anchor it, everyday life has a way of swallowing it whole.
The good news?
There are simple ways to seal in the benefits of your detox so you keep feeling calm long after the reset ends.
Why the Reset After the Reset Matters
Think of your digital detox as clearing the slate. It’s a fresh start, the same way any type of detox protocol works.
With a digital detox, it’s the moment your nervous system shifts out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest.
But the nervous system loves patterns. Without reinforcement, it drifts back to old rhythms with technology: inbox urgency, endless scrolling, reactive stress responses.
A post-detox reset gives your body and mind a new “default mode” to return to, instead of slipping back into chaos.
3 Ways to Seal the Calm
1. Anchor with a Sensory Relaxation Ritual
Choose one low-stimulation activity that cues your body to relax every time you do it.
At Flow Spa, we see this happen in:
Float Therapy — The zero-gravity environment tells your nervous system, “You’re safe. You can let go.”
Infrared Sauna — Deep warmth lowers cortisol, boosts circulation, and signals a wind-down state.
Contrast Therapy — The hot-cold cycle strengthens your stress resilience while leaving you deeply refreshed.
Ideally, repeat the same ritual weekly for at least three weeks post-detox. You can do the same thing with a particular nature walk you like or other relaxation ritual at home, like a hot bath or guided yoga nidra.
This creates a pattern of calm that your body remembers.
2. Add a Micro-Pause to Your Day
Pick one non-negotiable pause in your routine that works for you: 10 minutes in the morning sun, three deep breaths before meals, or a nightly stretch in dim lighting.
Small daily cues tell your body it doesn’t need to stay on high alert all the time. Constant stress fuels an overactive state that shifts the hormonal responses in our body to be out of whack.
Adding a micro-pause will help to reset your natural rhythms, leading to better alertness during the day and higher quality sleep at night.
3. Protect Your Boundaries
During your detox, you likely noticed how much mental space you had without constant pings and notifications.
Decide what boundaries you want to keep in place as the reset ends. Maybe notifications stay off after 8 p.m., or you batch-reply to messages a few times a day instead of instantly.
These little decisions stop constant stress from creeping back in unnoticed.
Bring Your Reset Into September
Think of this as a two-part process: the detox clears the noise, the reset builds the new soundtrack.
By anchoring calm with weekly spa rituals, daily micro-pauses, and intentional boundaries, you give yourself a much better chance of carrying that light, easy feeling into the busier fall months.
Want to Lock in Your Calm?
Book your next float, sauna, or contrast therapy session now and make it the first of your new post-detox ritual.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Your Summer Digital-Detox Guide
The summer makes for the perfect time to disconnect and give yourself a chance to detox from digital overload.
Summer in Ontario isn’t just about sunshine and lake days, it’s the perfect built-in reminder to step back from screens and give your nervous system a breather.
We are all surrounded by what has become a world of digital overload.
Always connected.
Never bored.
Instant access to message anyone and swipe through endless entertainment.
But all this comes at a steep cost: the inability to focus, sleep disruption, and mental exhaustion.
Below you’ll find a quick primer on digital overload, why a tech timeout matters, and a simple 24-hour challenge to get you started (bonus: you can stretch it into a long-weekend reset).
1. What Is Digital Overload, Anyway?
We spend an average of 6–9 hours a day glued to screens. That constant drip of notifications, emails, and scrolling:
Hijacks attention. Every ping flips your brain into “urgent” mode, shattering focus.
Cranks up stress chemistry. Dopamine spikes followed by crashes keep you stuck on a roller-coaster of hyper-arousal and fatigue. Like too many sweet treats, digital candy gives you a temporary hit without sustenance.
Disrupts circadian rhythms. Blue-light exposure after dark suppresses melatonin, cutting into deep-sleep cycles.
In short: your brain never fully powers down, so you rarely reach the deep recovery states that we need to continue to perform well and prevent burnout.
2. Why Your Body & Mind Need a Digital Detox
Think of a detox as active recovery for your neural network:
Restores Focus – Minimal inputs let the prefrontal cortex (your executive “think ahead” brain) recalibrate.
Lowers Cortisol – Studies show social-media breaks can reduce stress hormone levels within 48 hours.
Boosts Mood – Downtime encourages default-mode-network activity, linked to creativity and positive emotion.
Improves Sleep – Less screen time in the evening = earlier melatonin release = deeper, longer stages of restorative sleep.
Rekindles Real-World Connection – When notifications quiet down, conversations—and actual eye contact—tend to flourish.
3. Make the Most of Summer with a Tech Timeout
You don’t have to vanish off-grid. Use warm weather and built-in holidays to make going analog feel…well, natural.
4. Your 24-Hour Notification-Free Challenge
Ready? Choose any 24-hour window this week (hint: a Saturday morning start works for most).
Prep First
Tell key contacts you’ll be off notifications.
Download playlists, maps, or documents you might need offline.
Flip the Switch
iPhone: Settings → Focus → “Digital Detox.” Or if you don’t want to set up a Focus Mode just use Do Not Disturb.
Android: Settings → Modes → Turn on “Flip to Shhh.” Allow certain notification from people or apps if you need.
Fill the Space
Do whatever relaxes you. Schedule an infrared-sauna sweat or 60-minute float at Flow Spa to anchor your day in screen-free recovery. Pick a waterfront to walk along, or one of the many parks nearby to go for a hike.
Pack a real (paper!) book, puzzle, or sketchpad.
Reflect & Re-Entry
End the 24 hours with a short journal prompt: What surprised me? What felt hardest?
Decide which notifications truly deserve to stay off.
Level-Up: Once you’ve proven to your mind that everything will be ok if you’re unreachable for a day, extend the 24-hours to a full weekend or long weekend. Power down after work on Friday and leave your devices untouched until Monday morning.
5. “But What If Someone Needs Me?”—Troubleshooting the Worry
It’s normal to fear being unreachable.
Use these built-in safety nets:
Allow List: In Focus mode, whitelist specific contacts (family, manager) so urgent calls still ring through.
Repeated Calls: Enable the “second call within 3 minutes” override. This way emergencies still get you.
Backup Buddy: Share your partner’s number with anyone who might need to reach you.
Ninety nine times out of a hundred, you’ll discover that the world keeps spinning, while your stress level drops a notch.
6. Next Steps: Bring Your Detox Offline at Flow Spa
A float session amplifies the benefits of a tech break by immersing you in sensory stillness. Book your digital detox recovery ritual, then hold that serene headspace as you re-enter the digital world on your terms.
Ready to give your brain a true summer vacation?
Hit Do Not Disturb, step outside, and we’ll hold the quiet space for you when you’re ready to float.
What’s the Right Amount of Pressure for Massage?
You’re on the massage table, eyes closed, ready to relax. But instead of melting into the moment, you’re tensing with every stroke. Sound familiar?
For many people, one of the biggest questions about massage is:
How much pressure is too much?
Or even, does it need to hurt to work?
Let’s clear things up, because when it comes to massage, the “right” pressure isn’t about being tough.
It’s about what helps your body feel safe, supported, and ready to heal.
The Myth of “No Pain, No Gain”
There’s a common belief, especially with deep tissue massage, that more pressure equals better results. If you’re not wincing, it’s not working. No pain, no gain, right?
Actually, no.
While firm pressure can be helpful in some cases, research and experience at Flow Spa tell us that pain doesn’t equal progress. When pressure goes beyond your comfort zone, it can do the opposite of what we want.
Instead of relaxing into the massage, your body may activate its sympathetic nervous system - the fight-or-flight mode that causes muscles to tighten and stress hormones to spike.
But massage works best for relaxation and recovery when your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged. That’s the state where true healing happens.
When Pressure Goes Too Far
Here are a few signs that the pressure might be too intense for you:
You find yourself holding your breath
Your muscles tense up instead of releasing
You’re gritting your teeth and waiting for it to be over
You feel very sore or bruised the next day (especially if it wasn’t the goal). Your RMT will communicate with you if any bruising or soreness is expected, particularly with deeper pressure or methods like cupping.
A good massage should never feel like a test of endurance. You’re not there to “push through.” You’re there to let go.
What the Right Pressure Actually Feels Like
The tricky part is there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Some people love deeper pressure. Others benefit more from gentle, rhythmic strokes. And your ideal pressure can even change from session to session based on your stress level, hydration, sleep, or pain.
So how do you know when it’s just right?
The sweet spot is often described as “hurts so good.” It might feel intense in the moment, but not painful. You stay relaxed. You keep breathing. You feel your body releasing, not resisting.
If you’re clenching or bracing, that’s a clear sign the pressure needs to come down a notch.
How to Talk to Your Massage Therapist About Pressure
Here’s your permission slip: it’s always okay to speak up.
In fact, we encourage it.
You can say:
“That’s a bit too much for me.”
“Can you ease up just slightly?”
“That’s a good spot, but maybe a little lighter?”
Or simply, “Could we check in on pressure?”
At Flow Spa, our Registered Massage Therapists are trained to check in during your treatment, but we love it when clients feel empowered to guide the session, too. Your body knows best.
Pro tip: using a 1–10 scale can help. Something like a 6 or 7 out of 10 is usually a good balance of effective and comfortable.
Match the Pressure to Your Goals
Different types of massage, and your goals with treatment, often call for different approaches:
If you’re here for stress relief:
Lighter to moderate pressure is ideal. It helps calm the nervous system and ease tension without overwhelming the senses.
If you’re recovering from workouts:
Moderate to firm pressure can help with circulation and muscle recovery, but it should still feel manageable and not forceful.
If you’re dealing with injury or chronic pain:
This requires a more customized approach. Sometimes gentle work is most effective. Other times, focused deep tissue techniques can help. Our RMTs will work with you to find the right balance.
Bottom Line: Your Comfort Comes First
Massage should never feel like something to suffer through. The best results happen when your body feels safe, supported, and able to relax, not when it’s bracing against discomfort.
At Flow Spa, we don’t believe in pushing past your limits. We believe in working with your body, not against it.
So whether you love deep pressure or prefer a lighter touch, we’re here to meet you exactly where you are.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Pressure?
Book a massage at Flow Spa and let one of our experienced RMTs tailor the treatment to what your body truly needs.
We’ll talk about your preferences, check in during your session, and adjust in real time.
Because you deserve a massage that feels just right!
Can’t Sleep? Challenge These 3 Distorted Sleep Beliefs
Why “I’ll Never Sleep” Feels So Scary (and How to Talk Back to That Voice)
The Midnight Mind-Spiral
Tick tock, tick tock. Time rolls by at a relentlessly slow pace. The minutes turn to hours and all the while, morning creeps closer.
Not being able to sleep is dreadful.
And yet it happens to us far too often.
You know the moment: the clock rolls past 3 a.m., your brain is still buzzing, and a single fearful thought crashes in:
“If I don’t fall asleep right now, tomorrow is ruined.”
That surge of anxiety is often more disruptive than the missed shut-eye itself. Research shows that insomnia isn’t just a sleep problem; it’s a thinking problem.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) specifically targets the beliefs and emotions that fuel sleeplessness and consistently outperforms sleeping pills over the long-term. Mayo Clinic Sleep Foundation
So instead of chasing the perfect sleep hack, let’s work on the stories we tell ourselves after the lights go out.
Meet the Three Big “Sleep Lies”
CBT-I calls them cognitive distortions—mental shortcuts that look convincing at 2 a.m. but collapse under daylight.
| Distortion | Midnight Thought | Hidden Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Catastrophizing | "If I don't sleep, I'll bomb that presentation and get fired." | Leaps from one rough night to career or life apocalypse. |
| Unrealistic Expectations | "I must get eight solid hours every night." | Treats a guideline as a rigid rule, ignoring natural variation. |
| Misattribution | "I feel foggy, so my sleep is broken beyond repair." | Blames every dip in energy solely on insomnia. |
Studies show CBT-I can significantly reduce these distorted beliefs, and the anxiety that comes with them, within just a few weeks. PMC
Here’s how to practice some of these exercises yourself to challenge these thoughts that arise.
A Three-Step Reality Check
Next time the spiral starts, walk your thoughts through this quick challenge sequence:
Look for Evidence both for and against the thought
What proof do I have that tomorrow will be a disaster?
Create a complete picture for yourself.
Remember the last time you survived on four hours and still delivered.
Find Alternative Explanations
Could something else be affecting my energy?
Stress, caffeine, or that late-night doom-scroll can all mimic “broken sleep.”
Recall Past Wins
When have I handled a poor night just fine?
Jot down a short list now. Save it in a pinned note for quick access. Future-you can read it at 3 a.m.
Mantra: “A poor night of sleep doesn’t define my day.”
Write it on a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or nightstand, set it as a phone wallpaper, or repeat it like a mini-meditation when worry spikes.
Nervous System First Aid
Cognitive work is powerful, but calming the body helps the mind listen.
Two Flow Spa favourites:
Float Therapy – Zero-gravity buoyancy lowers cortisol and gives your brain 60–90 minutes without external input, an ideal state for resetting anxious patterns.
Infrared Sauna – Gentle heat promotes parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) activity. Many clients pair a 30-minute sauna with a cool shower or cold plunge.
Combine these with the thought-challenging steps above and you attack insomnia from both sides: physiology and psychology.
Action Plan for Tonight
Set a Wind-Down Window – Dim lights, silence notifications, and breathe slowly for at least 30 minutes before bed.
Spot the Distortion – When the worry voice pipes up, try to label it: “That’s catastrophizing.”
Run the Three-Step Check – Evidence, alternatives, past wins.
Repeat the Mantra – “A poor night of sleep doesn’t define my day.”
Schedule Support – If patterns persist, consider getting support with a few CBT-I sessions or book a float to short-circuit the stress loop. AASM
The Bottom Line
Insomnia often starts at night but ends in the daytime stories we tell ourselves. Challenge those stories, support your nervous system, and remember: you don’t have to be perfect, just persistent.
Ready for a reset? Book a float or sauna session at Flow Spa this week and give both your body and brain the break they deserve.
Sleep well (or at least worry less).
Float More, Stress Less: Unlock Summer Float Rewards at Flow Spa
Make the most of your summer with calming floats—and even calmer savings.
Summer’s Here. Let’s Help You Stay Grounded.
Between road trips, social calendars, and the pressure to “make the most of it,” summer can be… a lot.
That’s why we created the Summer Float Rewards program, so you can carve out consistent calm, reset your nervous system, and keep your stress levels in check all season long.
And yes, we’re sweetening the deal with some serious savings.
Here’s How It Works:
From July 1 to August 31, every float you book comes with a built-in reward:
Float Once → 15% Off
Starting your summer float ritual? Your first session is 15% off, just because.
Float Twice → 20% Off
Come back again and enjoy 20% off your second float. You’re making moves toward long-term calm.
Float Three Times or More → 25% Off
Now you’re in the zone. From your third float onward, every session is 25% off.
No codes. No hoops. Just simple, automatic savings every time you float.
Why Floating in Summer Makes So Much Sense
Summer might look carefree on the outside, but let’s be honest—your nervous system still needs a break. Regular floating helps you:
Recover from sensory overload after busy days or late nights
Stay focused and mentally clear even when your schedule’s all over the place
Create consistency when everything else feels spontaneous and chaotic
Whether you’re new to floating or it’s already part of your self-care routine, summer is the perfect time to go deeper.
Real Talk: You Deserve This
You’re doing a lot—maybe even too much. But 60 minutes in the tank? That’s your chance to unplug, float away the tension, and reconnect with your calm center.
This isn’t just about saving money. It’s about showing up for yourself in a season where it’s easy to lose track of what you need.
Book your summer floats now and let your stress melt away, float by float.
Hot Tub vs. Sauna: Which One Wins for Inflammation and Immunity?
When it comes to relaxation and recovery, heat therapy is a fan favourite.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Is a sauna or a hot tub better for your health? A new 2025 study might just flip your assumptions on their head.
Let’s dive into what the research actually says, and how you can use it to level up your wellness routine at Flow Spa.
Hot Tub Takes the Lead—At Least in This Study
A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology in June 2025, led by exercise physiologist Christopher Minson, published, compared traditional saunas, infrared saunas, and hot tubs to see how they impact inflammation and immune response.
While sauna use is still getting its fair share of the spotlight for health trends, the hot tub produced the strongest physiological effects.
Researchers found that a long soak at 104°F triggered the greatest immune system response and a measurable drop in acute inflammation markers. Why? Because the body experiences more thermal stress in hot water than in heated air.
And while that “heat strain” might sound uncomfortable, it’s actually a key driver of the benefits.
Why Hot Water Has the Edge
Here’s the science in plain English: water transfers heat much more efficiently than air. So even though a sauna might feel hotter, your body heats up faster and to a greater degree in a hot tub.
Let’s break down the temperature comparisons done in this study:
Hot tub: ~104°F (40°C), full immersion for 45 minutes
Traditional sauna: ~175°F (80°C), 3 rounds of 10 minutes with cool-downs in between
Infrared sauna: ~115–150°F (46–65°C), 45 minutes, with the temperature ramping up during the session
This study mimicked casual use you might expect at home, like easing into an infrared sauna while it heats up, or hopping in and out of a traditional sauna between rounds.
But if you’re using these tools intentionally for specific benefits (like we do at Flow Spa), the results may be different.
How You Use It Matters
Here’s an important takeaway: the protocol is everything.
In the real world, most people don’t use heat therapy exactly like they did in the study.
For example:
At Flow Spa, our infrared sauna is fully heated to 150°F when you enter
Many sauna users prefer one continuous 20–30-minute session instead of short intervals
For those looking to get in intense heat, 175°F might sound mild, as many people will push the sauna closer to 200°F
Your mental and physical state going in (hydration, stress level, etc.) can affect how your body responds
So while the hot tub showed impressive immune-boosting potential in the study, that doesn’t automatically make it “better.”
It all depends on your goal and how you use each modality.
What’s Better for You: Sauna or Hot Tub?
It’s not about which one is best, it’s about what’s best for you.
Here’s a quick guide:
Go for a Hot Tub if You Want To:
Boost your immune system naturally
Reduce inflammation after intense training (while heat is initially pro-inflammatory, there is a subsequent anti-inflammatory effect as the body rebounds from the acute effects)
Feel deeply relaxed without moving a muscle
Choose Infrared or Traditional Sauna if You Want To:
Support detoxification and circulation
Loosen stiff muscles and ease joint pain
Stimulate cardiovascular health and mental clarity
Pro Tip: Stack Them for Better Results
Here’s where it gets fun. You don’t have to choose!
At Flow Spa, we encourage strategic recovery combinations.
Try this:
Start in the infrared sauna to warm your body from the inside out
Move to the hot or cold plunge to shock your system (in a good way)
Once you’re done heating up or alternating hot and cold, add a float session or massage to finish in a state of deep calm
This approach doesn’t just feel amazing, it trains your body to adapt, recover, and thrive.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Whether you’re managing inflammation, supporting your immune system, or just looking for next-level relaxation, we’ve got you covered.
Our team can help you craft a heat therapy routine that aligns with your body and goals.
Book your next session at Flow Spa today to discover what happens when wellness meets intentional heat.
4 Science-Backed Rituals to Reset Your Motivation Every Quarter
Why your brain needs a 90-day reboot (and how to do it right)
Here's something you might not know: your brain has a built-in motivation cycle that peaks and crashes roughly every 90 days.
Neuroscience research shows that dopamine, your brain's motivation chemical, follows predictable patterns. After about 12 weeks of pursuing any goal, your neural pathways start to habituate.
What once felt exciting becomes routine.
What once drove you forward starts to feel like a slog.
This isn't a character flaw. It's biology.
The good news? You can work with your brain's natural rhythms instead of against them. That's where the quarterly reset comes in.
Whether you're feeling stuck in your current routine or simply want to optimize your next quarter, these four research-backed rituals will help you realign with what matters most.
Conduct a Goal Audit (Not Just a Review)
Brian Moran's writing in "The 12-Week Year" reveals why annual goal-setting fails more than 80% of the time: it's too abstract for our brains to process effectively. But 12-week cycles? They align perfectly with our neurological motivation patterns.
Here's how to do a proper goal audit:
Step 1: List your current goals and rate each 1-10 on energy level when you think about them
Step 2: Identify which goals still align with your values (not just what you think you "should" do)
Step 3: Apply the "Hell Yes or No" test - if it's not a clear yes, it's a no
Step 4: Choose a maximum of 3 goals for the next quarter (your prefrontal cortex can't effectively manage more)
Calendar Time-Travel Exercise
Most of us live in a 7-day bubble. But research from Stanford's Behavior Design Lab shows that perspective-taking exercises significantly improve decision-making and reduce stress.
Try this specific exercise:
Looking Back (15 minutes):
Open your calendar from 3 months ago
Note patterns: What energized you? What drained you?
Calculate time spent on priorities vs. distractions
Identify your biggest wins and what made them possible
Looking Forward (15 minutes):
Block out non-negotiable priorities first
Schedule recovery time between high-energy activities
Plan for seasonal energy shifts (your motivation isn't constant)
Build in flexibility for unexpected opportunities
Design Your Reset Container
Integration time is crucial for lasting change.
Your brain needs space to consolidate new insights and form new neural pathways.
The Quarterly Reset Container Formula:
2 hours: Planning and goal audit
1-2 hours: Integration walk or other movement (this isn't optional! Movement helps encode new neural patterns)
1 hour: Processing time (journaling, meditation, or float session)
1 hour: Ritual completion finale (see below)
Block this time like you would a medical appointment. Your future self will thank you.
The Neurological Reset Protocol
This is where the magic happens. Your brain needs a clear signal that one phase has ended and another has begun.
The Contrast Therapy Finale
Cold exposure triggers up to a 250% increase in dopamine that lasts for hours. But it's the contrast that creates the most profound reset effect.
The Protocol:
Sauna (15-20 minutes): Let the heat represent releasing what no longer serves you.
Cold plunge (2-3 minutes): Reset your nervous system and spike motivation chemicals.
Rest (5 minutes): Allow integration. Warm back up in the hot tub.
Repeat 2-3 cycles
This is how you make a ritual into applied neuroscience. The physiological stress followed by relief creates a powerful psychological anchor for your new quarter.
Don't have access to contrast therapy? A cold shower after a hot bath works. Even alternating hot and cold water in your shower for 30 seconds each can trigger similar benefits in a pinch.
Your Next Steps
The science is clear: your brain craves renewal every 90 days.
The question isn't whether you need a reset, it's whether you'll give yourself permission to do it properly.
Start here:
Block 5 hours in your calendar for your next quarterly reset.
Choose one goal that's been draining your energy and release it.
Book a float session or contrast therapy session to begin experimenting with reset rituals.
Your motivation isn't broken. It just needs the right conditions to reignite.
Ready to design your perfect quarterly reset? Our float tanks and contrast therapy room provide the ideal environment for deep integration and nervous system reset. Book your session and make this quarter your most focused yet.
The Hidden Link Between Peak Performance and Burnout (And How to Break It)
One day, you're crushing through work like a productivity machine, and then the next thing you know, you can barely drag yourself out of bed.
Take Ben, a friend of mine whose career was going great. Too great, actually. He was working very long hours and pushing himself hard to get ahead.
Then his body started shutting down.
For him, it started in his gut with stabbing pain. Chronic stress can cause all sorts of digestive issues. For Ben, this led to crippling his energy levels to the point that he was sleeping 16 hours a day and still exhausted. He could no longer hold down a job. At the lowest point, the decision to shower or try to eat breakfast was enough to wipe out his energy for hours.
When we're in flow, everything feels effortless, even when we're at the razor's edge of our capabilities. It's intoxicating to be so dialed in, to the point that we often can't let enough of a good thing go. This leads to the nasty downside— flow can accelerate a crash course into burnout.
We need to understand both ends of the performance spectrum to be able to recognize the need for more recovery when it's called for.
What Flow Actually Feels Like
Real flow isn't just "being in the zone." It's a specific neurological state where your prefrontal cortex downregulates—essentially, your inner critic goes quiet so you can perform without restraint.
You know you're in flow when time becomes elastic. Minutes feel like seconds, or sometimes an hour passes without you noticing. Your body feels light, almost weightless, even when pushing to your limit. There's no forcing or grinding in flow, just smooth, effortless action.
Most importantly, you're intrinsically motivated. You're not doing this for external rewards or because you "should." You're doing it because it feels natural, almost inevitable.
Your breathing is steady and deep. Your mind isn't jumping between tasks or worrying about what's next. You're completely absorbed in what's happening right now.
The Burnout Creep - Early Warning Signs
Burnout doesn't announce itself with sirens. It creeps in disguised as dedication, productivity, even passion.
The physical signs start to show up - your shoulders start carrying permanent tension.
Sleep becomes restless—feeling tired but wired.
Your digestive system rebels with unexplained stomach issues or changes in appetite.
Emotionally, you notice subtle shifts. That project you loved last month? Now it feels like a slog. You catch yourself being short with people who don't deserve it. Small problems are enough to cause you to erupt.
Behaviorally, you start procrastinating on tasks that used to energize you. You isolate yourself from colleagues or friends. You tell yourself you're "just focused," but really you're protecting your depleted resources.
The tricky part is how burnout masquerades as high performance. You're still getting things done, maybe even more than before. But the quality suffers, and more importantly, you suffer.
The Flow-to-Burnout Pipeline
Here's the paradox: sustained high performance without adequate recovery will tip you into depletion.
Flow states are neurologically expensive. When you're operating at peak performance, your brain is consuming glucose at a rapid rate. Your nervous system is activating stress responses to maintain that edge.
This is beneficial in short bursts. But without proper recovery cycles, your system starts running on fumes.
Environmental factors accelerate this pipeline. Constant connectivity means you never fully disconnect. Open office spaces prevent the deep focus that creates sustainable flow. Cultural pressure to "always be on" overrides your body's natural rhythms for rest and restoration.
Internal factors play a role, too. Perfectionism drives many of us past the point of diminishing returns. Fear of missing out keeps you saying yes to everything. Poor boundaries mean work bleeds into recovery time.
Self-Correction Strategies
When you notice early warning signs, you have a small window to self-correct before full burnout sets in.
Immediate Circuit Breakers
Start with your breath. Flip your stress switch in 60 seconds with this breathing drill.
The reset breath (4 counts in, 7 hold, 8 out, 4 in, and so on) activates your parasympathetic nervous system in under a minute. It's your fastest reset button.
Change your visual focus. If you've been staring at screens, shift to soft focus: look out a window or at something distant. This relaxes the muscles around your eyes and signals your nervous system to downshift.
15-Minute Resets
Get outside in natural light, even if it's cloudy. A brief walk without podcasts or music gives your brain a chance to process and reset.
Try contrast therapy, alternating between hot and cold water in the shower. This stimulates circulation and activates your vagus nerve, which governs your rest-and-digest response.
Deeper Recovery Protocols
Schedule tactical naps. Listen to a guided track or music that’s designed to encourage the parasympathetic recovery we need. Twenty minutes with Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) or binaural beats can be more restorative than an extra hour of poor sleep at night.
Create boundaries that actually stick. This means protecting your recovery time with the same intensity you protect important meetings.
The key is to create conditions that support flow and high performance rather than force it. You can't willpower your way into sustainable high performance.
The Self-Correction Toolkit
Building Flow-Friendly Routines
Sustainable high performance isn't about grinding harder; it's about creating the right conditions for flow to emerge naturally in our daily life.
Daily Practices That Support Flow
Start your day with a consistent morning routine. This doesn't need to be elaborate. Even five minutes of intentional breathing or gentle movement signals to your nervous system that you're transitioning into focused work mode.
Structure your day around your natural energy rhythms. Most people have 2-3 hours of peak cognitive performance. Flow enhances productivity by up to 500%, so protect these windows for your most important work.
Build in micro-recoveries throughout your day.
Two minutes of deep breathing between meetings.
A brief walk after completing a challenging task.
These small resets prevent the accumulation of stress that leads to the depletion of burnout.
The Recovery Non-Negotiables
Sleep is your foundation. Without adequate sleep, you can't access flow states consistently. Prioritize sleep hygiene like you would any other performance metric.
Physical movement helps process stress hormones and maintains the mind-body connection essential for flow. This doesn't necessarily mean intense workouts. Gentle yoga, walking, or simple stretching all count.
Social connection provides perspective and emotional regulation. Schedule regular time with people who energize rather than drain you.
Structuring Work-Life for Optimal Flow
Create clear transitions between work and rest. This might mean a short walk after finishing work, changing clothes, or even just closing your laptop deliberately.
Protect your attention like a finite resource. Limit multitasking, batch similar tasks together, and use focused work blocks with clear boundaries.
Remember: rest isn't the absence of activity, it's the presence of recovery.
Your Flow Check-In
Before burnout becomes your reality, ask yourself these questions:
When was the last time I felt energized after completing challenging work?
Am I sleeping as well as I was three months ago?
Do small problems feel disproportionately stressful?
Have I been avoiding activities I usually enjoy?
When did I last feel truly present during a conversation?
If more than two of these raise red flags, it's time to take action.
What's Your Next Move?
Choose one action you can take today:
If you're still experiencing flow regularly:
Recovery often gets forgotten when we’re in the zone. Schedule your recovery time for the next week before anything else gets in the way. Treat it as seriously as your most important meeting.
If you're approaching burnout:
Pick one item from the Self-Correction Toolkit and try it within the next 24 hours.
If you're already burned out:
Consider professional support. Sometimes the path back to flow requires guidance and structured recovery.
Your nervous system is designed for cycles of activation and rest. Flow is more about sustainable excellence than maintaining peak performance indefinitely.
At Flow Spa, we understand that optimal performance requires optimal recovery. Whether you need a quick reset with infrared sauna therapy or deeper nervous system recalibration with a float, we're here to support your journey from burnout back to flow.
Because the real goal is to feel fulfilled while performing your best.
The Financial Stress Paradox: How Money Worries Hijack Your Biology
Most people think financial stress is just about numbers in a bank account. But what if I told you that money worries literally rewire your body to make financial problems worse?
Here's the uncomfortable truth: financial stress doesn't just feel bad—it creates biological changes that trap you in cycles of poor health, bad decisions, and mounting debt. Our health is made up of six dimensions, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and social health factors. Financial stress has hidden traps that impact all these dimensions of health.
Understanding this paradox is the first step to breaking free.
The Three Biological Traps That Keep You Stuck
1. The Stress Eating Trap
When you're financially stressed, you reach for cheap, processed comfort foods. In the book Ultra-Processed People, Chris Van Tulleken wrote about how this is a temptation that few of us are able to avoid anymore because of how the ultra-processed foods he calls UPFs are manufactured to be insatiable. This creates inflammation, diabetes risk, and heart problems - all expensive to treat. Medical debt then worsens financial stress, creating more stress eating. It's a biological trap and a nightmare for our physical health.
Here's what happens in your body: When cortisol levels spike from financial worry, your brain craves quick energy, usually in the form of sugar and processed carbs. These foods might cost less upfront, but they're setting you up for expensive health problems down the road.
The cruel irony? The very foods that temporarily soothe financial anxiety are the ones most likely to land you in the emergency room. And shockingly, medical debt is now the leading cause of bankruptcy in North America. Even with the access to healthcare that we have in Canada, this Stress Eating Trap extends into other factors that affect our health.
2. The Sleep Deprivation Trap
Financial worry causes insomnia, which reduces cognitive function, decision-making ability, and productivity. This directly impacts earning potential and job performance, worsening the financial situation that caused the sleep problems.
Sleep-deprived brains make objectively worse financial decisions. Studies show that after just one night of poor sleep, people are more likely to make impulsive purchases and less likely to comparison shop.
Even worse, chronic sleep loss can reduce your earning capacity by up to 2.3% per hour of lost sleep. If you're losing two hours of sleep per night due to financial worry, you're potentially giving up nearly 5% of your income, creating the very problem that's keeping you awake.
3. The Social Withdrawal Trap
Financial shame makes people isolate: skipping social events, avoiding friends, declining networking opportunities. But professional and social networks are crucial for financial opportunities. The stress response that makes you hide also cuts off your escape routes.
We see this played out in an exaggerated way in the Apple TV show Your Friends and Neighbors. In the show, Jon Hamm’s character loses his job and to keep up with the Joneses, he resorts to stealing expensive watches and jewelry from the neighborhood. As his life seems to spiral out of control, he becomes more isolated from his friends and the connections that could provide him with a more lawful way out of the situation.
Think about it: When was the last time you turned down a social invitation because you "couldn't afford it"? That shame-driven isolation doesn't just feel lonely; it's economically devastating.
Research shows that 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly. They're filled through networking. When financial stress makes you withdraw from your social circles, you're cutting yourself off from the very opportunities that could improve your situation.
The Neuroscience Behind Bad Financial Decisions
Here's where it gets really interesting: Financial stress activates the same brain regions as physical threats. Your amygdala, the brain's alarm system, can't tell the difference between a charging lion and an overdue credit card bill.
When your brain is in survival mode, it shuts down the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for long-term planning and rational decision-making. This is why smart people make seemingly irrational financial choices when they're stressed.
Studies show that people experiencing financial scarcity perform worse on cognitive tests, losing the equivalent of 10-15 IQ points. It's not permanent, but while you're in that state, you're literally thinking with a compromised brain.
This explains why payday loans exist and thrive. When you're in a financial crisis, your brain prioritizes immediate relief over long-term consequences. The $400 you need today feels more real than the $520 you'll owe next month.
Breaking the Biological Trap
Understanding this paradox is liberating because it means your financial struggles aren't a character flaw; they're a predictable biological response.
Here's how to work with your biology instead of against it:
Start with your body, not your budget. Before you tackle your finances, address the stress response. Even 10 minutes of deep breathing, like the practices shared in this post here, can help shift your brain out of survival mode and back into planning mode.
Create "circuit breakers" for financial decisions. Never make a financial decision when you're highly stressed. Build in a 24-hour waiting period for any purchase over whatever threshold you’re comfortable with, like $20, $50, or $100.
Invest in sleep like you would invest in stocks. Poor sleep is costing you money in ways you can't see. Prioritize sleep hygiene as a financial strategy, not just a health one.
Maintain one social connection. Even if you can't afford to go out, maintain at least one professional or social relationship. This isn't luxury, it's financial survival.
The next time you find yourself making a questionable financial decision, ask yourself: "Is my stressed brain making this choice, or am I?" Sometimes, just recognizing the biological trap is enough to step out of it.
Struggling With Inflammation? Should You Use Sauna or Cold Plunge?
Chronic inflammation has become one of the most talked-about health concerns of our time. It can be tied to the root cause of many conditions that we face today. From joint pain and fatigue to mood issues and digestive problems, inflammation touches nearly every aspect of how we feel day to day.
But here's where it gets interesting: both heat and cold therapies have shown promise in fighting inflammation.
So, which approach should you choose? And could combining them be even better?
Let's break down what the research says and what our clients actually experience with each option.
The Heat Approach: Infrared Sauna
What The Research Says
Infrared sauna therapy has impressive anti-inflammatory credentials. Studies show regular sauna use can significantly reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels: a key marker of systemic inflammation. Research published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that people who used saunas regularly had lower CRP levels. The benefits seem to start at around 1 hour of total time per week in the sauna.
The heat triggers your body's natural healing response. Your core temperature rises, blood vessels dilate, and circulation improves dramatically. This enhanced blood flow helps remove inflammatory waste products while delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues.
Perhaps most importantly, sauna use activates heat shock proteins. These are your body's internal repair crew that helps damaged cells recover and function better.
What Our Clients Experience
"It's like a warm hug for my entire nervous system," describes one regular client who uses our infrared sauna three times weekly for arthritis pain.
The infrared sauna experience is gentle and meditative. Most people find it deeply relaxing. Your heart rate increases gradually, mimicking moderate exercise without the physical stress. And because the infrared sauna isn’t as hot as a traditional sauna, it’s better tolerated by people who can’t stand extreme heat.
Clients consistently report:
Better sleep quality after sessions
Reduced joint stiffness the next day
A profound sense of calm that lasts hours
Improved mood and mental clarity
The infrared sauna promotes nervous system down-regulation, shifting you from the stressed "fight or flight" state into the healing "rest and digest" mode.
The Cold Approach: Cold Plunge
What The Research Says
Cold water immersion creates a different but equally powerful anti-inflammatory response. When you're exposed to cold, your body releases norepinephrine, a hormone that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
A 2025 review of cold-water immersion suggests that it initially there’s a spike in inflammatory markers due to the stress response of being in the cold water but this is followed by a reduction in stress later in the day and an anti-inflammatory effect because of it.
The cold also triggers brown fat activation, which burns calories and produces anti-inflammatory compounds. Plus, the vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation when you warm up acts like a cardiovascular workout for your circulatory system.
What Our Clients Experience
Cold plunge therapy is intense but brief. Most sessions last just 2-4 minutes, but the effects are immediate and energizing.
"I feel like I can conquer anything after a cold plunge," says a client who uses it to manage chronic fatigue symptoms. "It's like hitting a reset button on my entire system."
The experience amps up your nervous system initially, teaching your body to better tolerate stress. This improved stress resilience translates into better inflammation management throughout the day.
Clients report:
Immediate energy boost and mental clarity
Reduced muscle soreness after workouts
Better stress management in daily life
Improved mood and confidence levels
While challenging in the moment, most people develop an almost addictive relationship with how good they feel afterward.
The Winning Combination: Contrast Therapy
Should you cold plunge or sit in a sauna to manage inflammation?
What The Research Says
Using heat and cold together— what I like to call contrast therapy—may offer the best of both worlds. The alternating temperatures create a "vascular gymnastics" effect, rapidly opening and closing blood vessels to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Research on contrast therapy shows enhanced recovery in athletes, reduced inflammation markers, and improved immune function. The combination appears to optimize your body's natural healing mechanisms.
What Our Clients Experience
Contrast therapy clients get both relaxation and stimulation in one session. They typically start with 15-20 minutes in the infrared sauna, followed by 2-3 minutes in the cold plunge, then return to gentle heat to finish.
"It's the perfect balance," explains a client who uses contrast therapy for fibromyalgia management. "I get the deep relaxation from the sauna and the energizing effects from the cold. I leave feeling both calm and alive."
The experience is:
Deeply restorative yet energizing
More comprehensive than either therapy alone
Surprisingly addictive once you experience the full cycle
Effective for both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions
So Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle:
Choose infrared sauna if you:
Deal with chronic stress or anxiety
Prefer gentle, meditative experiences
Have sleep issues or need a nervous system calming
Choose cold plunge if you:
Need energy and mental clarity
Enjoy intense but brief challenges
Want to build stress resilience
Prefer immediate, energizing effects
Choose contrast therapy if you:
Want comprehensive inflammation and recovery management
Enjoy varied, dynamic experiences
Have time for longer sessions
Want both relaxation and energization benefits
Your Next Steps
Start with whichever approach appeals to you most. Consistency matters more than perfection for getting lasting anti-inflammatory effects. Many clients begin with one modality and gradually add the other as they become more comfortable.
Consider your current stress levels, energy needs, and schedule when making your choice. And remember, you can always experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your body and lifestyle.
The most important step is simply starting. Your inflammation levels, and overall well-being, will thank you for taking action.
To experience the anti-inflammatory benefits for yourself book a session and discover which approach resonates with your body's unique healing needs.
3 Breathing Drills to Flip Your 'Stress Switch' in 60 Seconds
You're in the middle of a heated meeting when your chest tightens.
Your heart pounds as you sit in traffic, running late again.
Your mind races at 10 PM as you try to wind down, replaying the day's stresses.
Sound familiar?
Most people don't realize they carry a built-in stress switch. This switch has been flipped to "ON" for so long, we've forgotten what "OFF" feels like. We're stuck in fight-or-flight mode, treating everyday challenges like saber-toothed tigers.
But here's what changes everything: you can flip that switch back. And it takes less than 60 seconds to get started.
The Science Behind Your Stress Switch
Your autonomic nervous system, the part of your nervous system that operates automatically without your control, functions like a see-saw. On one side sits your sympathetic nervous system—your stress response, designed for genuine emergencies. On the other side is your parasympathetic nervous system—your rest-and-digest mode, where healing and recovery happen.
The problem? Modern life keeps us tilted toward stress, even when we're physically safe.
Here's where breathing becomes your secret weapon. Your breath is the only part of your autonomic nervous system you can consciously control. When you breathe deliberately, you send a direct message to your vagus nerve: "We're safe. You can relax now."
Why 60 seconds? That's how long it takes for your nervous system to register the shift and begin cascading calming signals throughout your body.
Drill #1: The Reset Breath
When to use it: Those sudden stress spikes, like difficult conversations, unexpected challenges, or moments when you feel overwhelmed.
The technique:
Exhale completely through your mouth
Inhale through your nose for 4 counts
Hold for 7 counts
Exhale through your mouth for 8 counts
Repeat 3-4 times
What it does: This 4-7-8 pattern activates your parasympathetic nervous system by emphasizing the exhale. The extended exhale tells your body the threat has passed, immediately lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
Pro tip: The counting gives your mind something to focus on, breaking the stress-thought spiral.
Drill #2: The Flow State Activator
When to use it: Before important tasks, presentations, or any time you need peak mental performance.
The technique:
Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed
Breathe in for 5 counts through your nose
Breathe out for 5 counts through your nose
Continue for 1-2 minutes, focusing on the rhythm
What it does: This coherent breathing pattern synchronizes your heart rate variability, creating the optimal state for focus and decision-making. You're not trying to relax completely with this breathing technique - you're finding that sweet spot where you're calm but alert.
The science: This 5-5 rhythm enhances cognitive function and emotional regulation, key components of flow state.
Drill #3: The Evening Wind-Down
When to use it: The transition from work mode to rest mode, especially when your mind is still racing from the day.
The technique:
Lie down comfortably or sit in a chair
Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
Breathe slowly through your nose, expanding only your belly
The hand on your chest should barely move
Continue for 2-3 minutes, letting each exhale carry away the day's tension
What it does: Belly breathing stimulates your vagus nerve and triggers the relaxation response. It's like switching your nervous system from a Ferrari to a gentle bike ride.
The connection: Quality breathing leads to quality sleep, which affects everything from immune function to emotional resilience, core elements good recovery and well-being.
Putting It All Together
The beauty of these techniques is in knowing which one to reach for in any given moment:
Acute stress moment? Reset Breath
Need to perform? Flow State Activator
Time to unwind? Evening Wind-Down
Start with one technique and practice it daily for a week. Consistency matters more than perfection. Your nervous system learns through repetition, and soon these responses become automatic. When that happens, you’ll naturally notice lower stress and higher performance.
The compound effect is remarkable. Regular practitioners report better sleep, clearer thinking, improved relationships, and a general sense of being less reactive to life's inevitable challenges.
Your Next Step
Here's your challenge: The next time you feel stress creeping in, try the Reset Breath before reaching for your phone, coffee, or any other distraction.
Just take 60 seconds to do this first.
Notice what happens. Notice how different you feel.
This is just the beginning. These breathing drills are one piece of a larger puzzle on deep health. Our approach to total wellness that includes stress management, movement, recovery, and mindful practices. When you start to see stress not as something that happens to you, but as something you can actively manage, everything changes.
Infrared Sauna Benefits - Why Flow Spa’s New Heat Sanctuary Is Your Shortcut to Deep Recovery
Feel the (Gentle) Burn — Without the Blowtorch
Traditional Finnish saunas crank the air temperature past 180 °F. Our brand‑new two‑person far‑infrared sauna at Flow Spa warms you directly with penetrating light waves at a comfortable ~150 °F. You sweat sooner, stay in longer, and reap similar cardiovascular effects to moderate exercise at a fraction of the heat load .
How Infrared Differs From Traditional Saunas
7 Science‑Backed Infrared Sauna Benefits
Stronger Heart & Healthier Blood Pressure – regular sessions improve vascular flexibility and can lower blood pressure.
Faster Muscle Recovery – a 2023 study showed a single 20‑minute infrared session cut next‑day soreness.
Melt‑Away Stress – infrared heat activates your parasympathetic nervous system, calming cortisol.
Glowing, Collagen‑Rich Skin – better micro‑circulation supports collagen production.
Detox‑Level Sweating – intense but comfortable sweat mimics moderate cardio.
Metabolic Boost & Calorie Burn – raised heart rate gently increases energy expenditure.
Joint & Chronic‑Pain Relief – heat loosens stiff joints and eases chronic discomfort.
Step Inside Flow Spa’s New Infrared Suite
Comfortable ~150 °F cabin engineered for optimal far‑infrared penetration
Plug‑in sound system with auxiliary input—stream your own audio or let our curated spa‑music playlists carry you away
Two‑person ergonomic layout so you can stretch out or share the experience
Direct access to our cold‑plunge tub if you fancy contrast therapy
Note: We keep things simple—no flashing chromotherapy lights, just pure, focused heat for maximum relaxation.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Hydrate: Arrive well‑watered; bring a refillable bottle.
Ease In: Start with 15–20 minutes at ~140 °F and work toward the full ~150 °F.
Listen to Your Body: Light perspiration within 5 minutes is normal. Step out if dizzy.
Cool Rinse or Cold Plunge: Contrast therapy amplifies circulation and recovery.
Post‑Sauna Chill: Give yourself at least 10 minutes to relax before diving back into daily life.
Learn more about pricing and try the infrared sauna out today.
Safety First
Infrared sauna therapy is generally safe, but consult your healthcare provider if you:
Are pregnant or trying to conceive
Have uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease
Take medications that impair sweating or heat tolerance
Recently had surgery or acute injuries
Ready to Experience the Heat?
Click Book Now or call 705‑230‑8575 to reserve your private cabin at Flow Spa, Peterborough’s home for relaxation and recovery.
Discover firsthand how the infrared sauna benefits you’ve read about can become part of your weekly wellness ritual.
Your body and mind will thank you.
Celebrating 6 Years of Flow: A Journey of Relaxation and Wellness
We're thrilled to announce that Flow Spa is celebrating its 6th anniversary this March!
For six incredible years, we've been privileged to be your sanctuary for relaxation, wellness, and self-care in Peterborough.
As we mark this special milestone, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has been part of our journey. Whether you've been with us since day one or have recently discovered the benefits of our services, your support has made these six years possible.
Anniversary Celebration: Special 6's Packages
It's our 6th anniversary at Flow Spa and we're excited to celebrate with you the way that we know best.
We've put together some extraordinary 6's packages available for the entire month of March:
6 x 60-minute Floats for $304 (Save $200 off regular price)
6 x 60-minute Contrast sessions for $152 (Save $100 off regular price)
6 x 30-minute Saunas for $99 (Save $80 off regular price)
2 x 60-minute Floats, 2 x 60-minute Contrast sessions, 2 x 30-minute Saunas for $212 (Save $100 off regular price)
These limited-time anniversary packages offer the perfect opportunity to invest in your wellness routine while enjoying significant savings.
Whether you're looking to deepen your float practice, experience the benefits of contrast therapy, or enjoy the detoxifying effects of our infrared sauna, there's a package designed with you in mind.
The Flow Spa Journey: 6 Years of Growth
When we first opened our doors six years ago, we had a simple mission: to make wellness accessible to everyone in our community. What began as a small space dedicated to float therapy has grown into a comprehensive wellness center offering a variety of services designed to support your physical and mental well-being.
Throughout these years, we've weathered challenges together, celebrated countless moments of transformation, and continuously evolved to better serve your wellness needs.
Your stories of relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation continue to be our greatest reward.
Join Our Celebration
We invite you to be part of our anniversary celebration this March. Whether you're treating yourself to one of our special packages, sharing your Flow Spa experiences with friends and family, or simply stopping by to say hello, we'd love to celebrate this milestone with you.
Thank you for six amazing years.
We look forward to many more years of helping you Find Your Flow.
Introducing Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) at Flow Spa
A New Level of Therapeutic Care
We’re excited to share some fantastic news here at Flow Spa in Peterborough: beginning February 22, 2025, we’ll be offering Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) as part of our treatment options.
Our new Registered Massage Therapist, Nick Plummer, is fully certified in FST and we’re thrilled to bring this powerful therapeutic technique to our clients.
What Is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Fascial Stretch Therapy is a unique form of assisted stretching that targets not just muscles, but the fascia—an intricate web of connective tissues that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints.
By gently mobilizing and stretching the fascia, FST aims to improve overall flexibility, reduce pain, and restore proper function and balance in the body.
Key Components of FST
Gentle, Pain-Free Approach: While “stretch therapy” might conjure images of intense pulls and bends, FST uses a gentler, rhythmic motion that helps the body relax and release tension without causing discomfort.
Table-Based Technique: Clients lie on a massage table as the therapist carefully guides limbs through a series of controlled movements and stretches.
Targeted and Comprehensive: FST works through multiple planes of movement, aiming to address not just localized stiffness but the interconnected fascial lines throughout the body.
Benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy
Enhanced Range of Motion
FST is designed to increase joint mobility and flexibility. If you have tight hips, shoulders, or other problem areas, regular FST sessions can help loosen and lengthen these areas.Reduced Pain and Tension
Because the fascia is such a large, interconnected system, releasing tension in one region can often alleviate pain in another. By gently stretching the connective tissue, FST may help reduce chronic aches and discomfort.Improved Posture and Alignment
A more balanced and flexible fascial system supports better posture. This can lead to reduced strain on the spine and joints, helping you move and sit more comfortably throughout the day.Stress Relief and Relaxation
The soothing, rhythmic quality of FST promotes a sense of calm. Many clients report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and less stressed after their session.
Meet Nick Plummer, RMT and FST Practitioner
We’re delighted to welcome Nick Plummer to the Flow Spa team.
Nick is a passionate and skilled Registered Massage Therapist with specialized training in Fascial Stretch Therapy.
He’s dedicated to helping his clients achieve optimal health, mobility, and wellness through his approach with multiple modalities. Nick’s knowledge of both traditional massage therapy and FST means you can seamlessly combine these treatments for a fully customized session tailored to your needs.
Booking Your FST Session at Flow Spa
Starting February 22, 2025, you’ll be able to book Fascial Stretch Therapy sessions with Nick as well as massage treatments. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking to enhance athletic performance, or simply want to improve your flexibility and relaxation, FST could be an excellent addition to your wellness routine.
How to Book
Online: Visit our website at flowspa.ca to schedule your appointment.
Phone: Give us a call and we will help you find a suitable time with Nick.
Can FST Be Covered By Benefits?
Yes, an RMT can incorporate this modality as part of their hands-on approach to your treatment plan.
We look forward to introducing you to the revitalizing benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about whether FST is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s work together to help you move better, feel better, and live better—one stretch at a time.
15 Holiday Stress Tips: Stay Healthy and De-Stress
Understanding the Causes of Holiday Stress
The holidays are meant to be a joyful time, but they can also bring with them a lot of stress.
Spending money, juggling too many events, and trying to make everything perfect can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Recognizing the specific things that stress you out—whether it’s time, finances, or family obligations—is the first step toward making the season more enjoyable.
When you know what’s causing the stress, you can take steps to address it.
Exploring Emotional Pressures Around Holiday Expectations
Many people feel the holidays should be flawless—the perfect gifts, meals, and decorations. This pressure can grow when you compare yourself to others on social media. But it’s important to remember that real joy comes from being with loved ones, not from achieving perfection.
Focus on making memories and sharing laughs instead of trying to impress others.
Recognizing Physical Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Overwhelm
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it can also affect your whole body through the 6 dimensions of Deep Health.
Signs of holiday stress include feeling tired, getting headaches, tight muscles, or even getting sick more often. These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you to slow down. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and make time for rest, hydration, and relaxation to stay healthy during the season.
Embracing a Mindful Approach to Managing Holiday Stress
Mindfulness means staying focused on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future. Practicing mindfulness can help you enjoy the little moments that make the holidays special. Write down what you’re grateful for, savor meals slowly, or take a walk outside.
Just a few minutes of deep breathing or quiet reflection each day can help you feel calmer and more centered.
Make mindfulness part of your holiday traditions and encourage your family to join you.
Tip #1: Simplifying Your Holiday Commitments
The holidays don’t have to be packed with activities and obligations.
Focus on what matters most.
Focusing on Experiences Over Material Gifts: Instead of buying lots of presents, spend time with loved ones. Plan activities like a movie night, baking cookies, or taking a walk in the snow.
Embracing Minimalist Decorations for a Calmer Atmosphere: Simplify your holiday decorations. Choose a few that make you happy and let go of the rest. Natural touches like pinecones or candles can make your home feel cozy and peaceful.
Tip #2: Prioritizing Self-Care Amid the Festivities
Don’t forget to care for yourself during this busy time.
Carving Out “Me Time” for Relaxation and Quiet: Spend time each day doing something that helps you relax, like enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, or taking a bath.
Scheduling Short Wellness Breaks Between Social Events: If your schedule is full, take small breaks to stretch, meditate, or listen to calming music. These moments can refresh your energy.
Tip #3: Maintaining a Balanced Holiday Diet
Holiday treats are part of the fun, but balance is key.
Savoring Holiday Treats in Moderation: Enjoy your favorite holiday snacks, but don’t overindulge. Eat slowly and appreciate each bite.
Preparing Nutritious, Comforting Meals in Advance: Make healthy meals ahead of time, like soups or casseroles, so you have something nourishing to eat when you’re busy.
Tip #4: Staying Physically Active Despite the Hustle
Staying active can help you feel less stressed and more energized.
Turning Winter Activities into Fun Exercise Opportunities: Sledding, ice skating, or walking outside can be great ways to stay active while enjoying the season.
Incorporating Quick Home Workouts to Energize Your Days: If you’re short on time, try short workouts like yoga or jumping jacks to boost your mood and energy.
Tip #5: Creating a Budget and Sticking to It
Money worries can add to holiday stress, but planning ahead can help.
Setting Clear Financial Limits to Reduce Anxiety: Decide how much you can spend and stick to your budget. Share your plans with family to manage expectations.
Discovering Low-Cost or Free Holiday Entertainment: Look for inexpensive ways to celebrate, like watching holiday lights, making crafts, or hosting a potluck dinner.
Tip #6: Learning to Say “No” with Confidence
You don’t have to do everything people ask of you.
Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Overcommitment: Politely decline invitations or tasks that make you feel stressed. Focus on what matters most to you.
Putting Your Well-Being First When Accepting Invitations: Only say yes to activities that make you happy and don’t overwhelm you. Taking care of yourself benefits everyone.
Tip #7: Cultivating Mindfulness and Inner Peace
Staying calm can help you enjoy the holidays more.
Practicing Simple Breathing Techniques for Instant Calm: Deep breathing can help you relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Breathe in for four counts, hold it for four counts, and breathe out for four counts.
Using Guided Meditation Apps to Relax the Mind: Apps like Calm or Headspace can help you take a few minutes to center yourself and find peace.
Tip #8: Managing Family Dynamics with Grace
Family gatherings can sometimes be tricky, but planning can help.
Preparing for Emotional Conversations: Think ahead about how to handle tough conversations with kindness and patience.
Focusing on Shared Values Rather Than Disagreements: Stick to common ground to keep family time positive and enjoyable.
Tip #9: Unplugging and Finding Digital Balance
Too much screen time can make you feel disconnected.
Reducing Screen Time During Family Gatherings: Put your devices away when you’re with family to focus on real-life connections.
Scheduling Tech-Free Evenings for Meaningful Connections: Plan tech-free nights where you play games, share stories, or enjoy other activities together.
Tip #10: Prioritizing Sleep for Better Mood and Health
Getting enough rest is crucial for staying healthy and happy. It’s no different during the busy holiday season.
Implementing a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Go to bed at the same time every night and wind down with relaxing activities like reading or stretching.
Using Calming Scents and Sounds to Enhance Rest: Lavender, soft music, or white noise can make it easier to fall asleep and stay rested.
Tip #11: Creative Ways to Celebrate Traditions Without Stress
Incorporating Non-Traditional Rituals That Bring Joy: Try something new, like having a pajama day or baking together. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.
Inviting Loved Ones to Collaborate on New Customs: Work on holiday projects or recipes together to make unique memories.
Tip #12: Transforming Holiday Chores into Enjoyable Activities
Turning Gift Wrapping into a Relaxing Music Session: Play holiday music while wrapping gifts to make it enjoyable.
Making Cleanup Fun with Family “Reward Systems”: Turn chores into a game and reward everyone with a fun activity, like a movie night.
Tip #13: Emphasizing Gratitude and Positive Mindsets
Celebrating Small Wins Throughout the Season: Be proud of small achievements, like finishing your shopping early or making someone smile.
Journaling or Sharing Thankful Moments Daily: Reflect on or share something you’re grateful for each day to stay positive.
Tip #14: Exploring Professional Help if Stress Becomes Overwhelming
Sometimes, extra support is needed, and that’s okay.
Speaking with a Counselor or Therapist: Talking to a professional can help you manage stress and find solutions.
Utilizing Online Support Groups for Guidance: Join groups where people share tips and encouragement for managing holiday stress.
Tip #15: Reflecting on Lessons Learned for Future Holidays
Noting Which Traditions Uplift Your Spirits: Focus on activities that bring you joy and repeat them next year.
Adjusting Plans Next Year for a More Relaxed Celebration: Use what you’ve learned to make next year’s holidays even better and less stressful.
Embracing a Calm, Joyful Holiday
The holidays should be a time for joy and connection.
By following these tips, you can reduce stress and enjoy the season more.
Take care of yourself and make the most of this special time with the people you love!
About the Author: RJ Kayser is a Board-Certified Health Coach and the Founder of Flow Spa. With a mission to inspire and elevate, RJ Kayser’s work is a testament to his belief that great stories and intentional living can transform the way we connect with the world—and ourselves.
8 Deep Health Tips For Staying Healthy During The Holidays
The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it can also bring its fair share of challenges.
Here's your Deep Health guide to staying healthy and balanced during this festive time of year.
To navigate through this magical yet demanding time of year, consider these practices to support your deep health.
1. Master Stress Management
Holiday preparations often feel chaotic. An abundance of social events, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists can create tension for us.
Try breaking your day into chunks using time-blocking.
Time-blocking becomes your invaluable ally during this particularly busy period. Establish and maintain clear boundaries between focused work periods and essential rest intervals.
Work for 25 minutes, then take a short break.
Make a list of what's truly important versus what's optional. This helps you use your energy wisely.
2. Navigate Holiday Eating
Eat slowly and enjoy every bite.
Try to eat healthy 80% of the time, saving 20% for holiday treats.
This way, you won't feel guilty or need extreme New Year's diets.
3. Keep Moving
Bad weather doesn't mean you can't exercise.
Try quick HIIT workouts indoors.
Do simple exercises while doing daily tasks - like leg lifts while washing dishes.
The goal is to keep moving, even if you need to change your usual routine.
4. Boost Your Immune System
Winter and busy schedules can weaken your immune system. Take vitamin D if you're not getting much sun. Eat fermented foods for gut health.
Choose colorful fruits and vegetables.
Explore the benefits of stress-fighting adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or rhodiola.
Try adding more fermented foods to promote optimal gut health and immune function.
Drink plenty of water, especially when indoor heating makes the air dry.
5. Prioritize Mental Health
In talking to Chris, one of our psychotherapists the other day, I realized that the holidays can bring up various emotions, from joy to loneliness.
It's normal to feel both happy and sad during the holidays.
If you know this time of year can hit you hard, schedule regular check-ins with trusted friends who can provide support.
Develop the practice of accurately identifying and naming your specific emotions as they arise.
This increased emotional awareness helps you to cope with overwhelming moments throughout the season.
Talk regularly with friends or professionals who can support you.
Learn to name your feelings as they come up - this helps you handle tough moments better.
6. Practice Mindful Gift-Giving
Consider giving experiences instead of things.
Choose gifts that help people learn or create memories. Research shows that experience gifts build stronger connections than physical presents. When buying items, pick ones that match what people really care about.
7. Prevent Burnout
Know your limits with social events and stick to them.
Maintain firm boundaries where you need to during the holiday social season to protect your energy and well-being.
If you need alone time to recharge, plan for it. Introverts need to deliberately plan more recovery time between social events to recharge.
Think of your energy like a battery that needs regular charging. Make time for quiet moments away from holiday demands.
8. Embrace Self-Care
Make self-care a daily habit to support your well-being this time of year. Combine both active and restful recovery activities within your daily routine. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Also, explore beneficial practices like massages or therapeutic float sessions. These methods help reduce stress and help your body and mind recover.
Using these simple tips can help you stay healthy and happy during the holidays. You'll be able to enjoy the season's magic while taking good care of yourself.
Our BIGGEST Sale of the Year for Black Friday
As Black Friday and the holiday season nears it’s always a time when I question whether to do something to promote special deals or not.
But over the years I’ve learned to not shy away from doing a special sale in the name of revolting against the status quo for businesses during the holiday season.
Because refusing to participate is a recipe for being forgotten to the big name and big box brands.
We usually like to do a bigger package deal for our existing members for Black Friday but this year I’ve been noticing that budgets are tighter so instead we are doing deals on smaller packages to make it a great holiday gift or treat for yourself to get you through the colder months.
Black Friday Deals:
2 x 60-minute floats - $99
4 x 30-minute infrared sauna - $99
4 x 60-minute contrast therapy - $99
These deals are only on for the next week, so get in on the offer online or pop into Flow Spa to pick up a gift card before Monday, December 2!